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11 West Coast fraudsters admit guilt in staged accident scheme

The scammers, hailing from Washington and California, attempted to swindle more than $657,000 from insurers.

“The number of people and the amount of planning involved in this fraudulent scheme make this crime even more shocking and unacceptable,” Richard A. Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office, said in a release. “Deliberate, staged accidents increase the risk to the public, increase rates for drivers with legitimate claims, and we are committed to holding these subjects accountable for their actions, including their fabricated stories against FBI agents.” (Credit: PongMoji/Shutterstock) “The number of people and the amount of planning involved in this fraudulent scheme make this crime even more shocking and unacceptable,” Richard A. Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office, said in a release. “Deliberate, staged accidents increase the risk to the public, increase rates for drivers with legitimate claims, and we are committed to holding these subjects accountable for their actions, including their fabricated stories against FBI agents.” (Credit: PongMoji/Shutterstock)

Charges ranging from mail and wire fraud to making false statements to the FBI were levied against 11 individuals from Washington and California for participating in staged automobile accidents, or for obstructing official proceedings, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Washington.

The fraudsters have all pleaded guilty to the scheme, which rang up $657,812 in payments from insurance companies, according to the district attorney’s office.

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Steve Hallo

Steve Hallo

Steve Hallo is managing editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. He can be reached at [email protected].  

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